Craddick wants deposition kept away from the public
March 12, 2008
A lawsuit over an Amazon fishing trip, which was canceled in 2006, should be a fish tale and not a political whopper, Speaker Tom Craddick and Austin lobbyist Bill Messer are arguing in a court document.
Written by Laylan Copelin, Austin American-Statesman
Speaker Tom Craddick
A lawsuit over an Amazon fishing trip, which was canceled in 2006, should be a fish tale and not a political whopper, Speaker Tom Craddick and Austin lobbyist Bill Messer are arguing in a court document.
Lawyers for the two politicos are seeking a protective order to limit the topic and duration of their depositions, which are scheduled for this month, and to ensure that their videotaped testimony isn't leaked to the news media.
The lawsuit by the tour operator alleged that Craddick and Messer were acting "as bullies, using the power of the Speaker's office" to get their deposits returned instead of rescheduling their trip to Brazil, which had been canceled because of high waters. Each had given a $1,900 deposit.
The dispute surfaced last May as Craddick was fighting for his political life.
In the final weeks of the legislative session, the Midland Republican was trying to quell a bipartisan revolt amid allegations of heavy-handed leadership. Craddick avoided a vote to remove him by arguing that House rules gave the chamber's presiding officer the absolute authority to ignore the motion to remove him.
Craddick, who's seeking re-election to his House seat as well as a return as speaker, said the timing of the lawsuit made it appear to be politically motivated.
The court document also argues that the lawyer for Amazon Tours Inc., Kevin Buchanan of Dallas, made derogatory remarks about "Republicans' penchant for wanting to engage in 'shooting wars,' (and) sarcastic comments regarding the Speaker's 'deigning to come to Dallas' for a deposition."
Buchanan allegedly asked the politics of the defense lawyer and confirmed that he is a Democrat, according to the court order.
Buchanan declined to comment on the allegations against him but said Craddick is the one who made the dispute political.
"He started this fight," Buchanan said. "He threatened my client with public humiliation."
The order asks that the depositions, which are scheduled for March 27, be limited to an hour and be restricted to talking about the dispute and not political questions outside the scope of the dispute over the refund.
It further asks that the court order that the testimony not be leaked to any parties outside of the lawsuit.
Buchanan said court records are presumed to be public and the public is entitled to see Craddick's responses.
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